Effects of Aging on the Multiscale Properties of SBS-Modified Asphalt

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of aging on the micromechanics, chemical functional groups, and rheological properties of SBS-modified asphalt, with the help of atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic shear rheometry, respectively. Aging has a significant effect on the micromechanics of asphalt and its distribution, especially in the pressure aging–vessel aging process. The micromechanics are affected by the chemical functional groups directly, and the resulting changes are the outcome of the synergistic effect of the aging of base asphalt and the degradation of the SBS modifier. The micromechanics were quantitatively consistent with the rheological properties, thus indicating that the micromechanics of the asphalt surface contribute to the macro-mechanical behavior. Such a systematic approach for the characterization of the aging process of SBS-modified asphalt could provide a scientific method for improving the properties and recycling of SBS-modified asphalt.

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Acknowledgements

This study was mainly supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant number 51678251), the Special Fund for Science and Technology Development (Grant number 2017A010103036), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant number SCUT.2015ZZ074), the Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Program in China (Grant number 1563000255), the Guangdong Province science and technology plan projects (Grant number 2014B010105005). The writers also appreciate the staff and facility support from the Road Research Institution (RRI) at the South China University of Technology.